Q&A: Nutritional Recommendations For A Pregnancy With Multiples?

Are there different nutritional recommendations if I’m pregnant with multiples?

Yes. If you’re carrying multiples, you’re not only “eating for two,” but potentially three or four! That means you’ll need to gain more weight than usual to support a healthy pregnancy. It’s generally recommended that moms expecting twins gain 24 pounds by 24 weeks of pregnancy (it will reduce your chance of preterm labor). The American Pregnancy Association says women carrying twins are expected to gain 35 to 45 pounds during their pregnancy and moms carrying triplets should gain 50 to 60 pounds. Also they recommend that moms-to-be of twins gain only four to six pounds during the first trimester and one and half pounds per week during the second and third trimesters. If you're expecting triplets, you should gain one and half pounds per week throughout your entire pregnancy.

Hopefully you’ll naturally have the appetite to support the weight gain, but here are some things to keep in mind that might help your nutritional intake keep up with your growing babies:

- Eating small meals (about six) frequently throughout the day can help you consume more calories without feeling too full. Try snacking on nutrient-rich foods, like complex carbohydrates and nuts.- Incorporate foods into your diet that are high in protein and fiber. This includes leafy greens, grains, peanut butter, eggs, and oils. Like normal pregnancies, you should be careful around certain fish and processed meats. Red meat, if cooked properly, is great because it’s high in iron, which is also important throughout your pregnancy.- Consume a dairy product before bed each night to carry you over to breakfast the next morning.

Have more questions? You can also ask your MD about referring you to a professional dietician to help you meet your daily nutritional needs.